Christmas Adventures

We enjoyed a busy holiday season filled with travels to see family around the country. On Dec. 17th, we flew to Nashville to visit "GG and PaPa" Cross. On our way out, it began to snow heavily so we sat on the runway for 1.5 hours waiting to de-ice. Although frustrating for us, it didn't bother Eli as he took in the free DirectTV. I was just relieved we didn't encounter a situation like what happened two days later: the plane slid off the runway and burst into flames! Once we arrived in Nashville, another great surprise awaited us. Standing at the gate ready to board the plane we'd just exited was our dear friend from Denver (who recently moved to Phoenix) Nicole! Unfortunately we only got to chat for a few minutes, but it was such a serendipitous experience. What are the chances?

After safely arriving at Whitney's grandparents' in Monticello, KY (2 hours north of Nashville), we kicked back for a relaxing week there. We were joined by "Grandma Mel", Grandpa Cross, and Uncle Paul and Aunt Chrissy over that weekend and enjoyed a beautiful Christmas celebration together. Unfortunately, even though Eli got a digital camera, I have no pictures of the fam from the week, at least not fit for this post :)

On our way back to the Nashville airport on Christmas Eve, we stopped by the famous Opryland Hotel. Our dear friends and former neighbors who now live in Nashville, Holly and Miranda, joined us for a delightful lunch and stroll through the beautiful resort.

Jon's parents and our dog greeted us at the airport to take us home to our first Christmas in Colorado. Eli awoke to a plethora of gifts from Santa, including his favorite, the Smart Cycle.

After a few days with the Mires grandparents, we spent some time around the house and running errands around town. Then, on New Year's Eve, we ventured east again. The last night of the year was spent in the pleasant company of old friends and their families in McCook, NE. After cheering on the Huskers to a bowl victory on New Year's Day, we were joined by Aunt Janet, cousin Angela and our new baby cousin Myles from Topeka. Myles is adorable and Eli demonstrated great big brother potential around him.

The next two days we drove back and forth to Atwood, KS to visit with extended family and celebrate Christmas once more. We had a great time watching all the kids run around with each other.

We returned home to Colorado on the 4th and were greeted by a few inches of snow! Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to change the fact we had to go to work the next day. But it's been a good week back after a long and relaxing break. The only complaint I (Whitney) have is I gained 6 lbs over that time, and it was NOT all for the baby! Our family had a lot of good food to enjoy over the holidays!

It's a healthy baby!

We went in for the "review of systems" ultrasound today. Even without reason for worry, I had "normal" mommy fears that something could be wrong. During the 40+ minute ultrasound, the tech showed us all the baby's parts (with the exception of the gender-revealing ones!) and it was truly amazing to see everything in place and functional.
Later, during my doctor visit, Dr. Bergstrom asked if I was scared by pregnancy. I knew what he meant and admitted my fears.
He added that it's amazing that as many pregnancies are uncomplicated as they are, given all the potential things that could go wrong. What a blessing it is to have our friend and brother, Dr. Roy, alongside us again during this miraculous process.
I'm still in awe of the miracle of it all! We are so blessed with a healthy 3-year-old (who just had his first bout of strep this week), and now a healthy baby! Although I'm really hoping for a girl, I'm delighted already in having a "normal" child. God is so good!
Technology is so amazing too. We got a disc of the exam with selected pics and videos. The baby is very active and in this clip "waves" for the "camera". We're excited to meet baby "EBS" (Eli's baby sibling) around the end of March/early April (hopefully not a Fool)!

Leaves!

Unlike at our old house, we actually have leaves to rake this fall. Of course, one can't rake a pile of leaves without inviting a kid to jump into them! Eli loved it, and even got his "girlfriend" next door, Chloe, in on the action.

Fall fun

Fall has always been my favorite time of year, even if it is so short. Fall in Colorado finds me missing the amazing colors of the midwest, but loving the unique Aspen features in our mountains.
Last weekend we took advantage of the great weather to visit the Colorado Railroad Museum for a "Day Out with Thomas". Eli and his buddies Caleb and Micah and their families had a blast riding the train and exploring the sights.
This weekend we ventured west to the gorgeous mountains of Glenwood Springs and Aspen. We stayed at the Hot Springs Lodge in Glenwood, which is conveniently across from the world's largest hot springs pool. It was fun swimming in late Sept. in a 90+ degree pool! It was the highlight of Eli's weekend.
The highlight of the trip for me was visitng the beautiful Maroon Bells outside of Aspen. My pics just don't do it justice! Jon had to work at the college fair all day, so Eli and I enjoyed the chance to explore the outdoor "playground" (he kept asking where the swings and slides were). I told him that the playgrounds that God makes don't need those things. (I did end up appeasing his desire for a playground with a slide when we ventured back into Aspen).
On Saturday we rode the gondola up Aspen (Ajax) mountain to an elevation of over 11,000 feet. Although it was cloudy and drizzly at times, the views were still amazing.
After such an amazing weekend, it's hard to get back to work. But stay tuned for more fall fun as I'm hoping to get us to a corn maze/pumpkin patch soon.

Birthday Celebrations!

Wow, it's been over a month since our last entry. Guess we've been busy with life...and I've been exhausted with the first trimester of pregnancy. But at twelve weeks now, I'm finally getting some energy back!
September has been a fun month of birthday celebrations for the Mires "men". Jon celebrated his 30-something on Labor Day and his folks were in town for the holiday weekend as well. Grandma/MJ made him a "cake" (sourdough loaves, as Jon's been on a strict low-carb diet and didn't even enjoy his bday loaves) complete with 30+ candles!
On Labor Day we took in a Rockies/Giants game and Eli enjoyed posing in the player scenes, as well as the ice cream cone!
This afternoon we turned our back yard into a sports-themed toddler mayhem for Eli's 3rd birthday party. 20 of his closest friends, neighbors, church buddies, and daycare pals turned out, along with their families. It was quite a crazy time, but the kids really enjoyed the bounce house we rented. Fortunately, no one got hurt too seriously so we won't have to call Grandpa Cross for legal help.
Eli wore a "Big Brother" shirt for the occasion, as it's become nearly impossible to hide the "evidence" of my pregnancy at this point! He's still not sure what being a big brother is all about, but he knows there is a baby in mommy's tummy. Friday we will take him with us to the doc to hear the heartbeat, so hopefully that will help things sink in for him. We'll keep you posted on the excitement on our end!

(End of Summer) Fun!

It's been another long time since the last post, and since I (Whitney) go back to school tomorow (GASP!), thought I'd better get some pics up here! We enjoyed a family camping trip last weekend, our first two-nighter. It was complete with Kip and "Uncle" Kevin. Eli loved checking out the campground's amenities, like the playground and miniature golf course.(Quote of the experience: "I did better than Tiger!" proclaimed Eli after his round!) He also ventured into the delicious world of s'more making.
After over three weeks of 90+ degree days, we are finally getting some relief. The heatwave stretch broke an over 100-year old record. We tried to beat the heat with Eli's backyard pool (compliments of the Mires grandparents), which Jon found himself in after a hot mowing session. Later, the same pool was a great bathtub for Kip.
Now that we're finally settled into our house, we'd love to have some visitors. Guess I still need to post some pics of this house, but they're not as fun as people pics! Now it's off to bed for some needed rest before a big "first" day of school!

AHH Alaska!

Wow! It's been over a month since our last post. Guess we've been busy packing up, moving and going on vacation. Our Alaskan cruise was AMAZING, too wonderful for words. So for now here are a few pics of our vacation of a lifetime!